Why have these lights appeared around Wolverhampton city centre?
They have appeared draped around trees, lighting up statues and hung above walkways. But why have these lights suddenly appeared around Wolverhampton city centre?
Well council bosses want to make life a little...brighter for people coming into the city centre for shows at The Grand, football at Molineux or simply for a night out at the city's bars and restaurants.
And they have decided the best way to brighten things up would be to install lights around various landmarks and busy routes.
This is just the first stage of this project - called 'Lighting Up The City' - which is set to cost the council an illuminating £520,000.
Which landmarks have been lit up in Wolverhampton?
The focus of the initial part of the scheme is light up a 1.5-mile walking route through the city centre.
Take a look up the next time you walk past Marks and Spencer and other shops which line Dudley Street and you'll see lights draped among the trees.
And lights also hang on trees in Cheapside outside The Bilash restaurant and close to Wolverhampton Civic Centre.
So next time you emerge from gigs at Wolverhampton Civic Hall you'll spot the lights, lighting your way home.
As you make your way back along Exchange Street and past Natwest Bank you see a ceiling of bulbs lighting the route.
You may have already spotted the Queen Square fountain and steps, and St Peter’s Gardens, have had new lights installed in recent weeks.
And now uplighters now showcase the Lady Wulfruna statue outside St Peter’s Church and Lock Street parkland.
Prior to phase one, work to upgrade existing lights within the city, including at the Cenotaph at St Peter’s Square, and the Ionic Order at Wednesfield, was completed.
Where is next to be lit up in Wolverhampton?
Wolverhampton council says it has already thought up places where lighting can be installed.
It is planning to light the main entrance of Wolverhampton Art Gallery to showcase its architecture.
And officials will be talking to University of Wolverhampton, Wolves, Beatties and the Mander Centre about its other proposals.
Long-term plans include the introduction of pocket parks – small green spaces - to improve the surroundings in the city.
And the council is also looking to introduce lights as part of new developments, such as the £55 million Westside project.
Why is the Lighting Up The City project taking place?
Wolverhampton council cabinet member, Councillor Steve Evans, said: “This project aims to showcase some of the many architecturally interesting features and buildings in the city, create a more interesting and attractive environment throughout the night and day, and create a greener and more inviting environment.
“The lighting up of selected areas of trees across the city centre and public features has already significantly enhanced the city centre environment.
“In creating a more inviting and safer environment it is anticipated that footfall will increase within the city resulting in economic benefits for the area.
"In addition, the inclusion of a walking route within the city is anticipated to contribute towards healthier lifestyles by increasing physical activity participation levels.
“The scheme is of course being carried out with the environment in mind by using LED lighting to reduce energy demand.”
